Retail Insider is streamlining its Canadian retail news from around the web to include a handful of top news stories that can be viewed quickly during the day. Here are the top stories from the past 24 hours.
“We are pleased to report another strong quarter of growth for CT REIT. In a busy Q2, we expanded our portfolio with two new investments totaling over 250,000 square feet and renewed 10 Canadian Tire store leases,” said Kevin Salsberg, President and Chief Executive Officer, CT REIT.
“We also continue to advance our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities and are proud to have recently published our fourth annual ESG reportthat highlights our approach, progress and achievements.
“Additionally, with the recent announcement of the significant retrofit that will be undertaken at our Canada Square property in midtown Toronto, anchored by a new 20-year office lease with Canadian Tire Corporation, and the successful completion of our $200 million Series J unsecured debenture issuance, we continue to improve the quality of our portfolio and successfully execute our core strategy.”
New Investment Activity
CT REIT announced two new investments which will require an estimated $66 million to complete. The investments are, in aggregate, expected to earn a going-in yield of 7.55% and represent approximately 252,000 square feet of incremental gross leasable area.
The table below summarizes the new investments and their anticipated completion dates:
Property
Type
GLA (sf.)
Timing
Activity
Calgary (Northpointe at Country Hills), AB
Third Party Acquisition
201,000
Q3 2025
Third party acquisition of a Canadian Tire anchored property
Saskatoon East, SK
Intensification
51,000
Q4 2026
Expansion of a Canadian Tire store
CT REIT invested $45 million in previously disclosed projects that were completed in the second quarter of 2025, adding 142,000 square feet of incremental GLA to the portfolio as detailed in the table below.
Property
Type
GLA (sf.)
Timing
Activity
Peterborough, ON
Intensification
32,000
Q2 2025
Expansion of a Canadian Tire store
Kingston, ON
Land Lease / Development
110,000
Q2 2025
Development of a new Canadian Tire store
Financial Highlights
Net Income – Net income was $103.0 million for the quarter was in line with the same period in the prior year.
Net Operating Income (NOI) – Total property revenue for the quarter was $149.8 million, which was $5.3 million or 3.7% higher compared to the same period in the prior year. In the second quarter, NOI was $118.9 million, which was $4.0 million or 3.4% higher compared to the same period in the prior year. This was primarily due to the acquisition, intensification and development of income-producing properties completed in 2024 and 2025, which added $3.1 million, and rent escalations from Canadian Tire leases, which contributed $1.7 million.
Same store NOI was $115.0 million and same property NOI was $115.8 million for the quarter, which were $1.8 million or 1.6%, and $2.5 million or 2.2%, respectively, higher when compared to the prior year. Same store NOI increased primarily due to the increased revenue derived from contractual rent escalations. Same property NOI increased primarily due to the increase in same store NOI noted, as well as from the intensifications completed in 2024 and 2025.
Funds from Operations (FFO) – FFO for the quarter was $81.2 million, which was $1.8 million or 2.3% higher than the same period in 2024, primarily due to the impact of NOI variances discussed earlier, partially offset by higher interest expense and lease surrender revenue earned in Q2 2024. FFO per unit – diluted (non-GAAP) for the quarter was $0.342, which was $0.005 or 1.5% higher, compared to the same period in 2024, due to the growth of FFO exceeding the growth in weighted average units outstanding – diluted (non-GAAP).
Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) – AFFO for the quarter was $76.1 million, which was $1.8 million or 2.4% higher than the same period in 2024, primarily due to the impact of NOI variances discussed earlier, partially offset by higher interest expense and lease surrender revenue earned in Q2 2024. AFFO per unit – diluted (non-GAAP) for the quarter was $0.320, which was $0.005 or 1.6% higher, compared to the same period in 2024, due to the growth of AFFO exceeding the growth in weighted average units outstanding – diluted (non-GAAP).
Distributions – Distributions per Unit paid in the quarter amounted to $0.231, which was 3.0% higher than the same period in 2024 due to an increase in the rate of distributions which became effective with the monthly distributions paid in July 2024.
CT REIT is an unincorporated, closed-end real estate investment trust formed to own income-producing commercial properties located primarily in Canada. Its portfolio is comprised of over 375 properties totalling more than 31 million square feet of GLA, consisting primarily of net lease single-tenant retail properties across Canada. Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited, is CT REIT’s most significant tenant.
Joe D’Addario, who co-founded Nature’s Emporium and has served as President and more recently its CEO for over 30 years, will transition into the role of Chair of the Board. In this new position, he will continue to provide vision and oversight, supporting the next phase of growth while upholding the company’s mission to inspire healthy and sustainable living, said the company.
Joe D’Addario
“This marks an exciting new chapter for Nature’s Emporium. Steve brings an impressive blend of leadership, vision, and purpose that aligns perfectly with who we are and where we’re headed. I’m excited about the capabilities he brings to our team. As I step into the role of Chair, I look forward to supporting our long-term growth and helping ensure we continuously elevate the value we deliver to our employees, customers and communities.” – Joe D’Addario, Co-Founder & Chair of the Board, Nature’s Emporium LP
Hollingsworth brings over two decades of experience in health and wellness, most recently as President of Genuine Health. Known for his focus on team culture, innovation and consumer trust, Steve is set to lead Nature’s into an exciting new chapter.
Steve Hollingsworth
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be entrusted with leading an organization with such deeply rooted ties to the communities it serves as Nature’s Emporium. I am genuinely excited to help Nature’s push the boundaries on what a health & wellness retailer can do for its customers,” said Hollingsworth.
This leadership transition reflects the company’s continued commitment to operational excellence, community connection, and customer care, while positioning the business for long-term growth in an evolving retail landscape, it stated.
Nature’s Emporium, founded in 1993, believes eating well means living better. It has six locations across Ontario (Newmarket, Woodbridge, Maple, Burlington, Toronto and Oakville).
Outdoor clothing and equipment retailer, Mountain Warehouse, with 45 stores in Canada, has partnered with retail industry charity the Retail Trust to support further the mental health and wellbeing of its global workforce.
With more than 4,500 colleagues in the UK, Europe, New Zealand, Australia and North America, Mountain Warehouse said its teams will now have access to a wide range of wellbeing resources through the Retail Trust. This includes confidential counselling for themselves and their families, manager training to support their teams, a variety of discounts and rewards, and a virtual GP service available to UK-based colleagues.
Mountain Warehouse said it will also benefit from access to the Retail Trust’s happiness dashboard, a generative AI-powered platform designed to track wellbeing trends, identify mental health pressures, and evaluate the effectiveness of support strategies.
Karen Bandoh
“We’re incredibly excited to launch this new partnership and to stand alongside more than 200 of the UK’s leading retailers in a united effort to drive meaningful change. Providing better, free, and confidential support services to our colleagues around the world is a vital step in helping them grow in their careers while caring for their wellbeing and their families. After all, life’s mountains don’t end at the store door,” said Karen Bandoh, people director at the Mountain Group.
“This partnership also gives us a strong platform to advocate for better conditions across the sector and to make a lasting, positive impact. We’re proud to be part of the change the Retail Trust is leading.”
Mountain Warehouse is the UK’s largest outdoor retailer, with over 290 stores nationwide and 400 stores globally. Founded in 1997 by Mark Neale, the retailer now serves over five million outdoor-loving customers yearly.
Photo: Mountain Warehouse
Chris Brook-Carter
“Mountain Warehouse is one of the world’s leading outdoor retailers, so this new partnership will bring the Retail Trust’s support to thousands more retail colleagues both in the UK and internationally. This is an important time for any retail employer to invest in their people’s wellbeing, especially ahead of the increased footfall and sales expected during the autumn and winter months. We’re working closely with Mountain Warehouse to identify those most in need of support and to ensure every colleague understands how to protect and manage their wellbeing,” said Chris Brook-Carter, chief executive of the Retail Trust.
The Retail Trust has been caring for and protecting the lives of people working in retail from 1832 onwards.
DoorDash is expanding its grocery offering through a new partnership with METRO Inc.
The partnership significantly increases same-day access to grocery essentials across Ontario and Quebec, giving consumers a faster, more flexible way to shop the brands they know and trust, said the company in a news release on Tuesday.
Hundreds of Metro, Food Basics and Super C locations are now live on DoorDash, with the same prices and promotions available online and in-store.
Kyra Huntington
“As we continue connecting consumers with more ways to shop their neighbourhood favourites, we’re proud to offer grocery essentials, specialty items and everyday staples from Metro, Food Basics, and Super C – all at in-store prices,” said Kyra Huntington, Head of Strategy and Operations at DoorDash Canada.
“Whether you’re a busy family, a time-crunched student, or an everyday shopper looking for an extra hand, we’re committed to meeting Canadians where they are.”
Metro features a wide selection of fresh products and specialty items, tailored for customers looking for a convenient, high-quality grocery experience.
Food Basics provides a large assortment at low prices, tailored for value-driven Ontarians who want Always More for Less – with three promises: “Always Fresh, Always in Stock, and Always at Great Prices.”
Super C offers a complete grocery experience at low prices for budget-conscious Quebecers looking for fresh and quality products at low prices.
To celebrate the partnership, DoorDash said select customers can enjoy a limited-time promotion from August 5, to August 18, with 40% off their grocery order of $65 or more (up to $30 off) from one METRO Inc. banner using promo code METRO40 at checkout on DoorDash.
“Our business strengthened throughout the quarter, with same-store sales and revenue growth supported by positive same-store transaction growth, supporting raising our overall outlook for the year,” said Richard Maltsbarger, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Valu. “We are also excited to announce we have completed our multi-year distribution centre network transformation, creating an incredibly effective, omnichannel, coast-to-coast supply chain ready to support our long-term growth goal of over 1,200 stores,” said Richard Maltsbarger, Chief Executive Officer of Pet Valu.
Richard Maltsbarger
Pet Valu announced that its Board of Directors unanimously approved the recommendation of Maltsbarger to implement a senior leadership succession plan. Greg Ramier, the company’s current President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Maltsbarger as CEO and be appointed to the company’s Board of Directors effective September 21, coinciding with Pet Valu’s annual store manager and franchise conference.
The retailer said Maltsbarger will continue in his role as CEO until September 21, after which he will move into the role of Senior Advisor to assist with the leadership transition until his retirement on April 4, 2026. Maltsbarger will continue to serve as a member of Pet Valu’s Board of Directors until his retirement date.
“It’s been the honour of my career to lead Pet Valu’s evolution since 2018. Thanks to the passion of our ACEs and franchisees, and the support of our Board of Directors, we’ve become Canada’s #1 pet specialty retailer in stores and market share serving Canada’s most devoted pet lovers. Together, we transformed our customer-facing technologies and supply chain, expanded our loyalty and digital platforms, and opened more than 250 new stores — more than doubling revenue and quintupling net income,” said Maltsbarger. “With this incredible momentum, now is the time to hand over the reins to Greg. I have every confidence as he leads Pet Valu’s next chapter of growth, and I look forward to working closely with him as he transitions into the role.”
“On behalf of Pet Valu, I want to thank Richard for his incredible leadership and the lasting impact he has had on our business – from sharpening our strategy to elevating our culture – and his commitment to making this a successful transition. His vision and energy played a huge role in getting us to where we are today,” said Tony Truesdale, Chairman of Pet Valu’s Board of Directors. “Greg has been a driving force in the commercial momentum we have achieved over the past year, and we are excited to see him step into the CEO role.”
Greg Ramier
Ramier joined Pet Valu as President & COO in August 2024 and has led several commercial planning and strategic initiatives that have contributed to the current sales and revenue momentum in the business. Mr. Ramier previously served over 20 years with Loblaw Companies Ltd., including senior executive positions leading the Market Division and Emerging Business segments, as well as experiences in financial services, supply chain, and retail operations.
“It’s a real honour to step into the CEO role and I’m excited to carry the momentum forward as we continue to grow, innovate and deliver great experiences for our devoted pet lovers, our franchisees, and our ACEs,” said Ramier. “I look forward to working with Richard over the coming months as we continue to deliver long-term growth.”
Second Quarter Highlights
System-wide sales were $369.9 million, an increase of 4.6% versus Q2 2024. Same-store sales growth was 2.6%.
Revenue was $280.6 million, up 5.8% versus Q2 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA was $60.2 million, up 4.2% versus Q2 2024, representing 21.4% of revenue. Operating income was $36.7 million, up 8.7% versus Q2 2024.
Net income was $21.8 million, up from $17.8 million in Q2 2024.
Adjusted Net Income was $26.2 million or $0.38 per diluted share, compared to $25.9 million or $0.36 per diluted share, respectively, in Q2 2024.
Opened 3 new stores and ended the quarter with 833 stores across the network.
Repurchased for cancellation 2.3 million common shares for total consideration of $65.5 million. Free cash flow was $27.1 million.
The Board of Directors of the Company declared a dividend of $0.12 per common share.
2025 Outlook
The Company expects revenue between $1.18 and $1.21 billion, Adjusted EBITDA between $257 and $262 million, Adjusted Net Income per Diluted Share between $1.63 and $1.68 and Net Capital Expenditures of approximately $45 million.
Pet Valu is Canada’s leading retailer of pet food and pet-related supplies with over 800 corporate-owned or franchised locations across the country.
Shake Shack is strengthening its foothold in Canada with an ambitious growth plan that includes six new locations across the Greater Toronto Area over the next year. Following the success of its first three Toronto openings, the popular American burger brand is expanding into high-demand neighbourhoods and shopping destinations, creating over 400 jobs and promising a distinctly Canadian Shack experience.
“The energy we’ve seen from Canadian guests since day one has been incredible,” said Billy Richmond, Business Director of Shake Shack Canada, in an exclusive interview with Retail Insider. “This next chapter is about more than opening doors, it’s about showing up for the communities we serve. Our intention is to deliver high-quality dining experiences that stand the test of time, and this GTA expansion sets the stage for Shake Shack’s long-term success in Canada.”
Billy Richmond
Where Shake Shack is Opening Next
The first of the new locations has already debuted inside Kitchen Hub Castlefield at 1121 Castlefield Avenue in Toronto. The remaining five locations will roll out gradually, starting with Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga on August 19, 2025. Additional openings are scheduled at:
Yonge & Eglinton (40 Eglinton Ave E, Toronto) – Opening Fall 2025
Vaughan Mills (1 Bass Pro Mills Dr, Vaughan) – Opening Fall 2025
King West (556 King St W, Toronto) – Opening Mid 2026
Square One and Vaughan Mills represent Shake Shack’s first foray into some of Canada’s busiest shopping centres. Square One’s Shack will span about 2,400 square feet, complete with an interior patio to accommodate mall traffic. Vaughan Mills, on the other hand, will be the brand’s first compact food court location at approximately 860 square feet, demonstrating Shake Shack’s ability to adapt to diverse retail formats.
“The Square One site is a great opportunity to create that Shack community feel inside a major mall,” Richmond explained. “And Vaughan Mills, even though it’s a smaller footprint, is an end-cap in the food court, so we maintain strong visibility and guest accessibility.”
King Street West location — Rendering via Shake Shack
Canadian Menu Exclusives and Local Sourcing
Shake Shack has placed a strong emphasis on tailoring its offerings to Canadian tastes while maintaining its global standards of quality. All GTA locations feature 100 percent Canadian beef, chicken, and dairy, along with locally sourced potatoes for its signature crinkle-cut fries. The brand has also created Canadian-exclusive menu items that celebrate local flavours.
“Our guests love the I Heart Butter Tart and Shack Attack concretes, which incorporate local butter tarts, and chocolate from Chocosol,” Richmond noted. “We also have a Maple Salted Pretzel Shake that has become a Canadian favourite. And our beverage program includes beer from Bellwoods Brewery and wine from Rosewood Winery.”
This approach extends beyond the menu to Shake Shack’s community partnerships, reinforcing its commitment to supporting Canadian farmers and local businesses.
40 Eglinton Avenue East. Image: Adgar Canada
A Strong Community and Design Focus
Beyond food, Shake Shack is investing in design and community engagement to make each location unique.
Local artists will play a central role in defining the aesthetic of new GTA Shacks.
At Square One, the brand has partnered with Anishinaabe woodlands artist Blake Angeconeb, whose vibrant works blend Indigenous traditions with contemporary pop culture. Meanwhile, Kirsten McCrea, known for her bold, patterned murals, will bring her signature creativity to the Yonge & Eglinton location.
“Community is at our core,” Richmond emphasized. “Our partnerships with local artists are a way for us to reflect the spirit of the neighbourhoods we serve and make every Shack a destination.”
Future Shake Shack in an historic building at 765 Yonge Street in Toronto. Image: Craig Patterson
Prime Toronto Locations and Iconic Buildings
Two of Shake Shack’s upcoming openings, King West and Yonge & Bloor, highlight the brand’s strategy of securing unique, high-profile spaces in Toronto. The King West Shack, set to open in mid-2026, will occupy the former Majesty’s Pleasure location and feature two outdoor patios. “It’s going to be a fantastic space for gathering and socializing,” Richmond said.
The Yonge & Bloor Shack will take over a historic building once home to the Albert Britnell Bookstore. “We thought this was an iconic site,” Richmond added. “It’s a way for us to respect the history of the building while creating an incredible dining experience.”
Looking towards the intersection of Yonge and Bloor — Future Shake Shack in an historic building at 765 Yonge Street in Toronto. Image: Craig Patterson
Momentum and Long-Term Growth Plans
Shake Shack launched in Canada in June 2024 with its first location at Yonge & Dundas in Toronto. A second opened in December 2024 inside Union Station, featuring a full-service bar—the first ever for the brand worldwide. The third Canadian Shack followed in February 2025 at Yorkdale Shopping Centre.
Early success has validated Shake Shack’s investment in the Canadian market. “The reception from guests has been phenomenal,” Richmond said. “It confirmed what we believed—that there’s a strong appetite for premium fast-casual dining here.”
Looking ahead, the company has committed to opening at least 35 Canadian locations over the next decade, with plans to expand beyond Ontario into markets like British Columbia and Alberta. “The GTA is just the beginning,” Richmond shared. “We’re excited to bring the Shack experience to more cities across Canada in the near future.”
Hospitality as a Growth Driver
While food and design are key pillars of Shake Shack’s brand, Richmond stressed that hospitality is equally critical to its success. “Guests appreciate quality, not just in the food but in the way they’re treated,” he said. “People aren’t just coming in for a quick meal, they’re looking for connection and consistency. That’s what Shake Shack is all about.”
From the way guests are greeted to the curated design elements and local collaborations, every touchpoint is designed to create a welcoming and memorable experience. “We’ve been listening to our Canadian guests, and their feedback has shaped everything we do,” Richmond concluded.
Shake Shack partnered with with Osmington Inc. and Harlo Entertainment Inc. for its Canadian entry. Osmington is a Toronto-based private investment company owned by David Thomson. Beauleigh Retail Consultants works with Shake Shack on real estate selection and lease negotiations.
New Arc'teryx store at 1001 Robson Street in Vancouver. Photo: Chris Pelyk
Arc’teryx has opened its new flagship store at 1001 Robson Street in downtown Vancouver. The 6,430-square-foot location occupies the prominent northwest corner of Robson and Burrard streets in a 1911-built commercial building that once housed the longtime Roots flagship.
The new store replaces Arc’teryx’s previous 4,060-square-foot location at 813 Burrard Street, increasing its downtown footprint by more than 50 per cent. The move underscores Arc’teryx’s commitment to creating a more immersive and elevated retail experience in the city where it was founded in 1989.
The expanded flagship provides space for a broader showcase of Arc’teryx’s technical offerings, including its latest performance outerwear, climbing harnesses, and lifestyle collections. The assortment is curated with Vancouver’s mountain culture in mind, complemented by dedicated areas for footwear, accessories, and gear designed for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and alpine climbing.
Inside, a striking illuminated map of Southwestern B.C. trails serves as a focal point, alongside a tribute to local mountain athletes that reinforces the brand’s strong connection to place and community. These design elements highlight Arc’teryx’s focus on blending technical innovation with authentic regional storytelling.
New Arc’teryx store at 1001 Robson Street in Vancouver. Photo: Kristiana Banden
A Key Corner in Vancouver’s Retail Landscape
The relocation to 1001 Robson consolidates the spaces previously occupied by Roots and La Vie en Rose, following extensive tenant improvements earlier this year. Roots closed its flagship store at this intersection in early 2025 before reopening a new concept location a block away near Robson Square.
Robson Street continues to evolve as a premier shopping destination, with several major openings over the past year. Adidas and JD Sports both introduced flagship locations nearby, while Alberni Street just to the north has welcomed Canada’s second full-line Ralph Lauren store and is preparing for the debut of the country’s first BAPE retail location.
New Arc’teryx store at 1001 Robson Street in Vancouver. Photo: Kristiana Banden
Transition from Burrard Street and Future Plans
Arc’teryx’s original downtown Vancouver flagship at 813 Burrard Street opened in 2017 in a former Le Château space. That store has now closed and will soon become home to Peak Performance, another outdoor-focused brand under the Amer Sports umbrella, which also owns Arc’teryx.
The new Robson Street flagship is part of a broader growth strategy that emphasizes larger, experience-driven stores in key urban and regional markets across Canada. In May 2024, Arc’teryx introduced its largest global store on Toronto’s Bloor Street West. The 9,274-square-foot Alpha-format flagship features the world’s biggest ReBIRD™ Service Centre, providing on-site repairs and sustainability-focused services.
New Arc’teryx store at 1001 Robson Street in Vancouver. Photo: Kristiana Banden
Earlier this year, the brand opened a 4,100-square-foot store in Banff, Alberta, designed to reflect the local alpine environment and offer community-focused experiences. In May 2025, Arc’teryx launched its first Atlantic Canada location on Spring Garden Road in Halifax, marking an important step in its coast-to-coast expansion.
Looking ahead, a fully renovated Arc’teryx Factory Outlet at Toronto Premium Outlets will reopen this fall, offering a refreshed environment with a broader product mix. These openings highlight a strategy that combines flagship destinations in major urban centres with stores in mountain communities and emerging retail markets.
New Arc’teryx store at 1001 Robson Street in Vancouver. Photo: Kristiana Banden
About Arc’teryx: A Canadian Success Story
Founded in North Vancouver in 1989 as Rock Solid, Arc’teryx earned its reputation through innovation in climbing gear and apparel. Its early adoption of advanced materials such as GORE-TEX® technology and the introduction of the Alpha SV jacket in 1998 set new industry benchmarks for performance outerwear.
Today, Arc’teryx is celebrated for its minimalist design, durability, and functionality, appealing to both professional athletes and urban consumers. The brand’s name and fossil-inspired logo, drawn from Archaeopteryx, symbolize its philosophy of evolutionary progression.
Now owned by Anta Sports through its parent company Amer Sports, Arc’teryx continues to prioritize sustainability and product longevity. Initiatives like the ReBIRD™ program encourage gear repair and recycling, reflecting growing consumer demand for responsible manufacturing and circular fashion.
New Arc’teryx store at 1001 Robson Street in Vancouver. Photo: Kristiana Banden
StyleDemocracy warehouse sale. Image: StyleDemocracy
Toronto-based StyleDemocracy, North America’s leading warehouse sale and retail event company, has entered into a strategic partnership with 55 Rush, a Canadian performance marketing agency known for its extensive digital reach and expertise in audience engagement. The collaboration is aimed at redefining how brands connect with Canadian consumers, combining in-person shopping experiences with data-driven marketing strategies.
The partnership will focus on customer acquisition, immersive brand engagement, and scalable marketing solutions for retailers across Canada. This joint approach will leverage both companies’ strengths to deliver campaigns that resonate with consumers and drive measurable results.
Innovative Campaign to Boost Lead Generation
At the heart of the partnership is a co-branded initiative called Win Your Wardrobe, designed to help retail brands attract new customers through high-impact contests and promotions. Participating brands will offer prizing and exclusive offers, while customers can opt in through promotional channels operated by both StyleDemocracy and 55 Rush.
Through this model, brands will gain first-party customer data, enabling targeted marketing beyond the campaign itself. With a combined digital network that spans email, social media, and online platforms, the collaboration provides access to an audience of over 5.5 million Canadians. This audience includes members of 55 Rush’s popular communities such as Student Life Network, Parent Life Network, Canadian Newcomers Network, Fanpass, and yconic.
Win Your Wardrobe — image via 55 Rush
Enhancing Warehouse Sales and Customer Experiences
StyleDemocracy has long been recognized as Canada’s leader in warehouse and sample sale events, having organized over 600 sales and having sold millions of units of merchandise. Its client list features major names including Nike, Adidas, PUMA, Ted Baker, and Steve Madden, OVO, and many other global brands with events often spanning up to 50,000 square feet in cities across Canada and the United States.
In addition to hosting these large-scale events, StyleDemocracy expanded into e-commerce during the pandemic, introducing high-energy digital sales that replicate the excitement of physical shopping. This diversification has allowed the company to support brands of all sizes while maintaining a strong focus on brand integrity, ensuring events align with each client’s image rather than relying on deep discounting.
With this new partnership, StyleDemocracy will incorporate 55 Rush’s experiential marketing expertise into future events, creating interactive activations that elevate the customer experience. “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for StyleDemocracy as we continue to improve and diversify the various solutions we provide to our clients,” said Oliver Berg, Executive Vice President of StyleDemocracy. “With 55 Rush, we’re building something that will offer our brand partners more creativity, more scale, and more measurable success.”
StyleDemocracy warehouse sale. Image: StyleDemocracy
Who is 55 Rush?
Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Toronto, 55 Rush has built its reputation on connecting brands with highly targeted audiences through performance-driven campaigns. The agency operates several large-scale online communities, including Student Life Network with over 2.5 million members, Parent Life Network with more than 2 million members, and Canadian Newcomers Network, which serves newcomers as they establish roots in Canada. These communities allow 55 Rush to deliver campaigns during pivotal life stages, making marketing efforts both timely and impactful.
The company’s client list includes Amazon, CIBC, JEEP, Tangerine, Embark, and dozens more, reflecting its ability to partner with some of the most recognized brands in the market. “We’re excited to expand our business into the retail space,” said Stephen Sills, Co-Founder of 55 Rush. “We’ve been collaborating with SD behind the scenes for almost a year, having already executed a number of projects, and we’re excited to officially announce our partnership.”
Why This Matters for Canadian Retail
By combining StyleDemocracy’s event management capabilities with 55 Rush’s digital-first approach, this partnership offers a comprehensive solution for retailers navigating a competitive market. The initiative addresses a growing need for strategies that merge physical retail experiences with digital engagement, delivering results both in-store and online.
For brands, the value lies in measurable outcomes: lead generation, increased traffic, and meaningful customer interactions. For consumers, the collaboration promises unique shopping experiences backed by targeted, relevant offers.
With a combined reach of over 5.5 million engaged Canadians, the alliance between StyleDemocracy and 55 Rush signals a shift toward integrated retail marketing that blends community-driven engagement with experiential commerce.
Launched in 2023, Ryde began with a small footprint in Circle K Ontario downtown and has since added Rabba and several independent retailers. “The first six months were really to understand how consumers behave and how retailers accept the brand. So we wanted a dry run on the retail side. We also launched on Amazon. It’s been quite a fun couple of months since we launched,” said Diaz.
Kervy Diaz
The idea behind Ryde stems from a desire to make a real difference in the wellbeing industry. “We felt, and still feel, there are a lot of products out there that claim to be efficacious or clean but don’t necessarily deliver to consumer standards. We saw an opportunity.”
Ryde simultaneously launched in three markets: Australia, the US, and Canada. “The objective is really to solve a consumer problem — looking for specific benefits that can help them in day-to-day life, making it simpler,” Diaz explained.
Currently, Ryde offers three SKUs in Canada: Energy, Focus, and Relax. “We have Energy, which is basically a tropical flavour, kind of a boost when you need it but with less jitter. Then Focus, which is an orange taste, really for when you need fuel in your mind, when you need to concentrate and elevate. Then Relax, for when you want to unwind, which is a raspberry taste,” Diaz detailed. All are sold in a convenient 60 ml shot format with transparent ingredient labeling aimed at today’s knowledgeable consumers.
The formulation of Ryde’s drinks is done entirely in-house through Water Street Collective Company. “We started by identifying a mood we believe the market needs. We look at different stacks of ingredients available globally — the science from the US, London, anywhere — and how those ingredients behave together, not just individually. Then we create our own recipe, which we call our stack or replenishment. After the recipe is set, we do our own human effect study to make sure it works. That’s basically how we approach building Ryde and its variants,” Diaz said.
Distribution is currently split between digital channels, including Amazon, and brick-and-mortar retail. “We are in over 3,000 points of sale including Circle K Ontario, Parkland, Petro-Canada, Rabba, Farmboy, and others. We will expand rapidly in the next few months. We are finalizing some negotiations now and expect to reach 7,000 stores before the end of the year. We have a very ambitious plan ahead,” Diaz confirmed.
Retailers have responded positively to the product. “Not only because of the format and the space it takes, or the revenue it brings, but most importantly because consumers drawn to the wellbeing section are increasing,” he said.
Photo: Ryde
When asked about the types of partners Ryde is targeting, Diaz noted, “For now, we are very concentrated and will remain so in CNG and grocery. Eventually, we’ll develop specialty channels. Those are the three main channels we aim to grow in the next 12 months.”
He added, “From a partner perspective, we want people interested in the wellbeing area who want to work the brand as they grow and as we grow. We believe we are aligned with where the retail industry is heading.”
With a clear focus on consumer benefits and retailer alignment, Ryde Canada is positioning itself for strong growth in a competitive market.
